Monday, January 17, 2011

CS32 Tree Felling Assessments | Medium Tree felling | Large Tree Felling

Changes to NPTC Assessments for Medium and Large Trees have been in effect for the past number of months.
CS32 Medium Tree Felling and CS33 Large Tree Felling Awards have been combined to form a new CS32 Felling trees over 15" in diameter.
Despite this change, training courses have remained very similar to the requirements of both medium and large tree felling. Advanced felling techniques are still required to attain the new CS32 unit and would not be completely covered in medium tree felling training courses.

There is some resistance to the changes to the old units and still some talk of the old CS33 unit being re-instated. I was recently contacted by an instructor who is interested in bringing back the old unit. I would be tempted to agree as I think the new CS32 unit will be confused by employers for many years to come and operators will be happy to pretend they have the new unit rather than admit to only having medium tree felling awards.

Training dates at Treecareireland for medium and large tree felling are available from the website


Comments are most welcome on this post




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Wednesday, September 22, 2010

You've done a chainsaw course but you won't get a job! 3 good reasons



This is something I hear quite a lot in the forestry and arboriculture industry and something I have said many times to my customers seeking clarification on chainsaw qualifications.

Just because you've done a chainsaw course doesn't guarantee that you'll get a job..... here are 3 good reasons:

  • The Chainsaw training industry is like any other in respect of the fact that their are 'cowboys' out there offering poor or mediocre courses which will not provide you with the skills to pass the pre-requisite NPTC CS30/31 Award that you require to get a job or the skills you need to pass this assessment.


  • Many companies looking to hire chainsaw operators will often require them to have more than the basic NPTC CS30/31 award and prefer to see other units under the belt such as CS32 - Felling trees over 15" in diameter or competence to use a woodchipper.

  • The industry is awash with rogue tree cutters that are carrying treework for nothing more than a daily wage. When you are qualified as a tree climber (CS38 Tree climbing and rescue and CS39 Using a chainsaw from rope and harness) and you are prepared to do all of the things you must under regulation, you will be competing with these guys! Luckily many people are now becoming a little more discerning when it comes to hiring a tree service. 
 The good news is that despite these three reasons, well trained and competent operators are finding work, but it is important to remember that it is your responsibility to rise above the average chainsaw user or tree cutter and invest in gaining as much knowledge and as many skills as you can. Read about your industry, invest your time and resources in forestry skills training and tree climbing techniques. Get advice from people that are working in your industry, explore the global trend towards an increase in forestry and never forget that trees keep growing!

 Training advice is available from Treecareireland


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    Tuesday, September 21, 2010

    Is there somewhere on the web for Irish Tree Care?

    YES! 
    and here it is...


    The Irish Tree Care Network allows registered members to share information, videos, photos and much more about Tree Care. It is the only Irish Tree Care social network and is a safe and secure place for Qualified individuals only.

    Use it to find work
    Use it to discuss your point of view in the forum
    Blog subjects
    Post photos
    Buy Equipment

    Join now, it's Free!

    Register below









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    Monday, September 20, 2010

    treeclimber.ie

    Discounted Ascenders and some free instruction on how to use them



    Treeclimber.ie and Treecareireland have teamed up to share some knowledge on the ergonomic and safe use of Ascenders. Climb safer, Climb faster!

    http://www.treeclimber.ie/viewproductdetail.asp?productid=16551&secid=340&cid=1529&act=show

    treeclimber.ie: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

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    Wednesday, July 14, 2010

    Super spruce in Union Hall

    Just a quick video Blog of an amazing Sitka Spruce in Cork. Andrew Harrison and Kevin Birchall from Treecareireland visted this Sitka Spruce whilst carrying out some chainsaw training in Co. Cork


    Find more videos like this on Irish Tree Care













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    Wednesday, June 16, 2010

    The Birth of an Irish Tree Care Network

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    Visit The Irish Tree Care Network

    This is my badge from a new network dedicated to qualified Arborists, treeclimbers and chainsaw operators in Ireland. You can get one too and more importantly, by joining this free (invitation only) network you can:

    1. Share knowledge and information through out the Irish Treecare Industry and beyond
    2. Watch and post videos about tree related matters
    3. share photos
    4. advertise your services
    5. find new jobs
    6. purchase equipment collectively and save money
    7. improve your industry by supporting only qualified operators
    8. lots more stuff
    This is not a Facebook for Trees, it is designed as a professional place for professional people with one common goal:

    "To strengthen the Treecare Industry in Ireland"

    You may think, "not another network to waste my time on" but we have designed this network as a business tool not a place to gossip. Information will be regularly posted and available for all.

    We aim for this network to be the birth place of the first organisiation in Ireland to truly cater for only qualified treeclimbers, groundsmen and arborists. We want to assist you in making the changes that are needed for Irish Tree Care
    Apply for your invitation by filling in the box below:





    If you need more info email kevin at treecareireland@opriusmail.com.
    If you feel that you should be better respected as a professional arborist we want to know. If you need info about trees in an Irish context connect with this network. If you think we are crazy for starting a network we want to know why!

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